Their visit to The Wheatsheaf in Overpool Road, Ellesmere Port comes after Jeremy Manley applied for a smoking shelter at the front of the pub, as well as a 4.5sq m Jumbrella to provide cover for four tables.

The application has been recommended for approval by borough planners. Previous applications for smoking areas at the front of the pub were refused in May and November 2006, according to a report.

Council environmental protection officers said there was the potential for noise from people using the shelter talking and shouting, particularly late at night when background noise levels had fallen and people were likely to have consumed more alcohol.

The application site is only 30m away from housing and councillors were told in a report: “Regardless of where the shelter is sited, some properties are likely to experience some noise from its use.”

The council has received one objection on the grounds of loss of privacy, increased disturbance from noise and litter, and the resident being able to smell cigarette smoke from the pub and concerned this could exacerbate an existing asthma condition.

Borough planner Iwan Hughes said he believes the shelter is acceptable and suggested current activities in the external drinking area at the front of the pub did not appear to affect local residents.

The site visit is on April 1, and a decision expected at the April planning meeting.